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Category: Tactical

Tactical knives are geared towards one purpose and usually do not deviate from said purpose. That purpose? Combat, hence their oft-used name “combat knives”, or “combat tactical knives”. These knives are designed for military use, and though old-fashioned trench combat has waned from modern warfare, the knives still come standard in every soldier’s kit. That is not to say that these knives are for military use only.

There is indeed quite the market for civilian-owned tactical knives, and one of the most recognized names in the industry is Gerber, known for both their folding-blade knives as well as their fixed blade tactical knives. Gerber Legendary Blades was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1939, after years of selling handmade kitchen knives led to Abercrombie & Fitch requesting more knives to be sold in their catalog. Gerber is most known for pushing the technology they use in their tactical knives, consistently innovating the market. Their work is so groundbreaking to the tactical knives world, that in 1985, Gerber Legendary Blades was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame.

Blade Magazine is a long-running consumer-geared tactical knives magazine, which specializes in coverage of all sorts of blades, the hobby of knives, as well as the manufacturing and legislation of all sorts of knives. Originally published with the title of American Blade, Blade Magazine changed its name in 1982 after being bought out by Bruce Voyles and Jim Parker. Voyles and Parker teamed together to do more than just purchase the magazine, they are true knife enthusiasts, as they formulated and launched The Blade Show, as well as the International Cutlery Fair, which is the largest knife event across the world to this day.

Another big name in the tactical knives market is Strider Knives, a California-based custom tactical knives manufacturer owned by Mick Strider and Duane Dwyer. Strider Knives have collaborated with many other knife companies, as well as individuals, the most well-known being Richard Marcinko. Richard Marcinko is known to some as “Rogue Warrior”, a man whose life has been adapted into multiple books, as well as a videogame – this man obviously knows his tactical knives, and the fact that he chose to associate with Strider Knives for the Rogue Warriors series of custom tactical knives should speak for itself.

All of these names are big in the tactical knives world, but quite possibly the biggest and most recognizable would be KA-BAR, the company who lends its name to and manufactures the same fixed blade tactical knives that the United States Marine Corps supplies to its Marines. KA-BAR also makes the USN Fighting Knife Mk. II, which is the tactical knife of choice of the United States Navy. KA-BAR’s name comes from the letter they received from a customer, praising their blade after he was able to kill a bear once his gun failed to do so. The only legible words or letters from the letter were “k a bar”, obvious that the man meant “kill a bear”, but the company picked it up as their trademark, and later, name.

There is obviously a market for these combat tactical knives outside of the battlefield, be it from knife enthusiasts or collectors, or people wanting to use these finely crafted tools for something other than showing off. More recently, the tactical knives have come to be more survival tools than anything else, as they are able to hold up to the rough and tumble of anything you might need it for in a survival situation. Regardless of the dwindling number of knife-heavy combat situations, these knives have often saved many lives when guns have failed, and for that reason, they will always have a place in the world.

Which is “the best” knife. This is a question which is asked by both new people, and experienced outdoorsman time and time again. Many people believe that in the massive sharp metal sea of knives, one knife will stand out as being “the best combat / survival knife” ever made.

The honest answer about which knife is the best is very vague and frustrating to many buyers. The honest answer is “it depends”

Hearing “it depends” is an extremely frustrating and disparaging remark. It often sounds mocking to the reader, and can often cause the reader to simply go elsewhere to purchase their combat knives somewhere else.

When an individual in the outdoor industry hears the question “which is the best combat knife” – it is often coming from the voice of inexperience.

The most appropriate way to ask this question is: which is the best combat knife for me.

Many people have spent small fortunes attempting to figure out which is “the best” combat knife for them. This includes talking to every store representative, reading online reviews, watching YouTube videos, and ultimately purchasing many, many knives in their search.

There are many, many factors which can help determine the best combat knife for the individual. These factors include things like shape, size, use, budget, metal type, and the most defining factor: personal preference.

Committed to making the sharpest, most heavy duty knives known to man, Cold Steel Knives has established a reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of knives around the world. For the past 30 years, they have been at the cutting edge of numerous innovations that have aided in shaping the knife industry as a whole. They gave numerous buyers something to be excited about with the Kraton handles and tanto point blade styles, which have gone from remarkably fascinating to industry-wide trademarks of excellence and superiority. Now, if you’re into daggers, then you will surely love Cold Steel’s very own War head.

Overall Length

14″

Blade Length

8.5″

Blade Steel

1055 Carbon Steel

Best for

Self Defense/ Survival

Score

8/10

It is the company’s own version of the early American blade, known during the time as the “Trade Dag”, which was greatly valued throughout the frontier for its extreme versatility and functionality. So let’s take a look at more of the essential details about this very intriguing knife design from cold steel.

If you are after a budget defense/tactical knife then look no further and pick yourself up the CRKT Dragon. This little baby is not going to be your best quality knife but is definitely going to do the job well. CRKT are renowned for quality and luckily that is what this knife will deliver. For the price, the Dragon is a top quality knife.

Overall Length

9.25″

Blade Length

4.5″

Blade Steel

9Cr18

Best for

Defense

Score

6/10

This knife is designed by Crawford and Kasper so you know that you are getting a well-designed knife! You will definitely not be disappointed with this purchase especially if you are giving it as a present. The knife looks damn tough so if you are ever in a self-defense situation, merely the act of showing this knife should be enough to scare the attacker away.

In my last post, I review the fabled CRKT Chogan so I thought it would only be fair if I then also reviewed its brother in arms, the Kangee T-Hawk from CRKT (well duh!). Both these beautiful T-Hawks are made by the same designer, Ryan Johnson. He has spent over thirty years perfecting the design of the tomahawk and has a very loyal and I must say quite large following amongst special forces soldiers who love the design and quality of his builds – something which should promote confidence within you.

Overall Length

13.75″

Blade Length

2.93″

Blade Steel

SK5 Carbon Steel

Best for

Every Day Carry

Score

8/10

The Kangee is very similar to the Chogan in its design and materials used in almost every sense, except for the shape of the head. The Chogan features 3 sharpened edges on the head of the axe as well as a blunt flat end, whilst the Kangee features 4 sharpened edges. However, both are sensation T-Hawks and both will run you $100 each, so whilst not being that cheap they are going to provide you with unparalleled quality.

Tomahawks have been used extensively throughout history not just for hunting, but also as tools and self defense. They are lethal, yet strong and robust and can be the difference between you sleeping under a shelter or in the in a survival situation. The CRKT Chogan T-Hawk lives up to the traditional tomahawks used throughout history by incorporating a quality design and build with great looks and features.

Overall Length

14″

Blade Length

2.93″

Blade Steel

VG-10

Best for

Every Day Carry

Score

8/10

This model was designed by Ryan Johnson who has been practicing the art of making tomahawks for over 30 years and has built a very loyal fan base, especially amongst special forces troops. That alone has to tell you something about the quality of these tomahawks. These are one hell of an axe and I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a reliable axe to take with them camping or even for somebody in the military. You will be finding countless uses for it and wondering how you ever got by without one.

This is one outstanding knife that is priced well below what it is truly worth ($100 – but you can pick it up for $70). The Smith & Wesson Spec Ops M-9 Bayonet knife is a top quality blade that is going to be your go to bayonet knife and will put all the previous ones you have ever owned to shame.

Overall Length

12.75″

Blade Length

6.5″

Blade Steel

440

Best for

Bayonet

Score

8/10

Now let us not get confused, though, this is a bayonet knife and only got that rating if that is how you intend to use it. If you are looking for a “Rambo” style knife then this isn’t the knife for you. If you are looking for an every day carry knife, then keep looking because this won’t do. No, this knife is made for a .223 Rifle and is intended to be used as a bayonet. As a result, it is not overly sharp but will get the job done. Many soldiers will use this as a tool for shoveling, prying and even in the rare case, as a bayonet. So, therefore, I would only recommend this to active service men and women.

First thing that I have to say about this knife is that it is one tough knife. However, this is what I have come to expect from a Smith and Wesson so I wasn’t overly surprised when I saw its quality but that is just because it is what I am used to. This knife is built like a brick shit house (so to speak) and will handle any job like it was nothing. This is a true workhorse knife and one you definitely would not be disappointed in buying.

Overall Length

8.84″

Blade Length

4.74″

Blade Steel

440C

Best for

Boot Knife

Score

6/10

Currently, you can get it for a steal at $17 from Amazon so I definitely recommend you go and pick yourself up one, or as Christmas is approaching, get it for a loved one they will be thrilled. Another great thing about this price is that even if you do manage to somehow break it or lose, you are not out of pocket a lot of money and can simply go and buy yourself a new one.

One of the best knives that I have ever owned would definitely have to be the CRKT Ag Russell Sting. The Steel features some of the toughest steel out there and you can definitely be confident that this knife is not going to break easily meaning it can really handle the toughest of jobs. CRKT really do make brilliant knives and that is clearly evidenced by the AG Russell as it is one the best fixed blade knives currently out there for its price and definitely one I recommend you add to your collection if you are serious about knife quality.

One of my favorite out the front knives would definitely have to be the Benchmade Infidel. This is one hell of an automatic knife that is super sharp and super high quality. You are not going to be disappointed with a purchase of this knife and I would recommend this to anyone who is going on active service or someone who is looking for a pretty heavy duty tactical knife. Now this is not a cheap knife and will cost you upwards of $400 so you really want to make sure that you take care of this knife if you are thinking of making a purchase. However, once you made the commitment you will fall in love with this knife and won’t be able to stop using it!

Survival and Rescue missions, whether it’s performed by soldiers or search and rescue teams, demand top quality equipment which is not going to fail them in a time of need as someone’s life may depend on it. That is why the SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) was designed to be able to withstand a beating and still remain as a top quality knife. Not only that, it really does look fantastic with its black finish and simplistic handle.

For the quality of the knife, it is relatively cheap, coming in at around $130 retail, but if you shop around I am sure you can get it for a cheaper price. I would probably recommend this blade to those who are going on active service because this knife is really going to be a big help in nearly any given situation whilst at the same time not being that expensive.

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